Ivaana Kristiansen Olsen, singer, is always excited when she has to present her music outside Greenland's borders, as the audience's reaction is difficult to predict.
However, the reception in Aarhus at SPOT Festival exceeded all expectations.
She says that the audience received the concert incredibly well - from those who showed up purposefully to the curious passersby who stopped to listen.
- After the performance, a Danish woman came up to me. She said that she had been deeply moved. Even though she didn't understand the words, she could feel everything through the melodies. She said that she usually never cries to music, but this time she couldn't control her tears from the very beginning of the concert, says Ivaana Kristiansen Olsen.
This year, she was one of several Greenlandic musicians invited to be part of the official program at SPOT Festival in Aarhus.
Top for delivering
Although the invitation to the SPOT Festival initially went to Ivaana as a soloist, she didn't end up on stage alone. When she found out that Andachan and Jaqqi were also on the program, she invited them to participate in her set, and the three quickly agreed to collaborate.
- We played about nine songs in total. The set featured both brand new, unreleased songs and songs from my releases Jamaica EP, Tunguusaq EP and other releases. I started the concert alone with my guitar, and we ended with songs from my album with Andachan, says Ivaana Kristiansen Olsen.
She doesn't hide the fact that preparations for the festival have been a balancing act. Since music is her side job alongside a full-time job, time has been tight. She emphasizes, however, that she has done her utmost to deliver a good concert, even though it only took two or three rehearsals with Andachan and Jaqqi.
- I have to admit that I could have been better prepared. Music is my side job, while my main job takes up the time between 8 and 16 every day. However, I have done everything to deliver a good concert, she says.
More festivals in sight
The trip has given Ivaana renewed energy and courage for the future. She is aware of the privilege of playing at SPOT, and the positive reactions – including praise from international listeners – feel like a big step forward.
Ivaana is particularly impressed by the audience culture: Abroad, people are good at going to concerts with unknown names, and she hopes that people in Greenland will be just as courageous to support the growing group.
The future holds both concerts and new music for Ivaana Kristiansen Olsen. She plans to record new material this fall, but first the hard work of applying for funds for the project awaits.
- I hope that the actual recordings can start this autumn. I don't want to reveal too much about my vision for the next release yet, but I sincerely hope that the project can be realized, concludes Ivaana Kristiansen Olsen.
